Newsletter & Specials

The Clearing Café is now open ! Next door to The Dragontree Spa, the café features a fresh organic juice bar, organic coffee, exquisite teas, our own organic soups and panini, and more. Stop by and check it out!

November Special

Begin to unwind with an Orange spice foot bath. Then slip into bliss with a 45 minute Swedish Massage followed by a full body Chai sugar scrub. Finally, treat your skin to a rejuvenating Daydream Facial. $175

Stretching for pain relief, flexibility, and fun!

Tuesday, November 27th, join two of The Dragontree’s massage therapists, Erin Smith and Deah Hirstein, at 7:30 pm. Learn how to relieve stress anywhere with simple and easy stretches. Please call 503.221.4123 to sign up by November 24th. Cost per person is $15.

Neti and Nasya: The Dynamic Nasal-Sinus Duo

There are several simple daily practices recommended in Ayurvedic medicine for maintaining health. One of the most valuable of these routines, especially during cold and flu season, is the combination of neti and nasya.

Neti is the process of cleansing the nasal passages with salt water, using a "neti pot." A neti pot is shaped like a small tea pot, the spout of which fits comfortably in a nostril. Neti pots can be purchased at Whole Foods and from a number of on-line vendors. Start with warm, clean water (body temperature is good). The ideal degree of saltiness varies from person to person, and when the solution is correct for you there will be no burning sensation. A standard solution is 1/4 teaspoon of salt per 1/2 cup of water. Try this concentration first, and adjust the saltiness if necessary. Usually you will need to add salt if there is a burning sensation. Regular table salt without iodine tends to be most comfortable. Fill the pot with your saline solution, stand over a sink, and place the tip of the spout in one nostril. Tip your head sideways without leaning your head forward or back. As the pot is tipped, the solution should enter one nostril and flow out the other. It helps to keep your mouth open and don’t try to breathe through your nose. Pour half of the solution through one nostril and then the other half of the solution through the other nostril. This process cleanses the nasal passages of small particles, bacteria, and other organisms which can cause allergies, colds, and sinus infections.

Nasya is the second step in this duo, and is often overlooked. We frequently hear from clients who have tried neti (without nasya) that they felt more congested afterwards. This is usually because the salt water dried out the nasal passages, which stimulated the body to secrete more mucus to protect these membranes. Nasya is the process of properly oiling the nasal passages with a constitutionally-appropriate oil to avoid dryness after neti. There are two main ways of applying oil to the nasal passages. One is to place oil on your clean little finger and use this to lightly coat the inside of each nostril with oil. The other option is to use an eyedropper to instill 4-5 drops of oil into each nostril while lying on a bed with the head hanging slightly off the edge. With this second method, it is best to relax in this position for a few minutes to let the oil penetrate deeply. The second method is more nourishing to your nasal membranes and should be done at least once a week. The oil recommended for vata types is sesame oil. Pitta types should use sunflower oil. Corn oil is best for kapha types. If you do not know your constitution, or would just like to use a general "tridoshic" oil, you can use safflower oil or liquid ghee (clarified butter). There are also many medicated nasya oils for specific ailments and constitutional needs. These tend to be stronger and cause strong reactions that should be supervised, at first, by a practitioner. The importance of following neti with nasya can not be overly emphasized. Nasya provides lubrication and protection against new pathogens in the nasal passageways after being cleansed by neti. If the nasya step is skipped then the process of neti could potentially open up the membranes to further susceptibility.

Practicing neti and nasya ensures healthy nasal passages and absorption of prana. It also reduces respiratory allergies and colds. In Ayurveda, the nose is considered the gateway to the brain and the administration of neti and nasya is said to enlivens consciousness and intelligence.

Neti and nasya can be done once a day for basic maintenance, and they can be performed up to two or three times a day for acute conditions.